Galatians 4:10
What does Galatians 4:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 4:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 4:10 means
Paul points to their observance of “days, and months, and seasons, and years” as proof of sliding into legalism. These time-bound rituals—whether Jewish festivals or other religious calendars—had become badges of supposed spirituality. The issue is not time itself, but trusting observance for standing with God. In Christ, the calendar no longer governs one’s acceptance; the substance is found in Him. The verse does not forbid all special days, but it rejects any system that makes them necessary for righteousness. Paul fears the Galatians are trading living sonship for a schedule of duties, mistaking shadows for the reality already given in the gospel.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ye observe days, and months, and seasons, and years.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ye observe days, and months, and seasons, and years.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You keep days, and months, and fixed times, and years.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862days ye observe, and months, and times, and years!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752You observe days and months and times, and years.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Ye observe days and months and times and years.
Context
This verse supplies the concrete behavior behind Paul’s concern in verse 9. Observing religious times shows a move from grace to regulation. It prepares for verse 11, where Paul expresses fear that his work among them may be wasted. The flow is logical: identity known by God (v. 9), symptom of regression (v. 10), pastoral alarm (v. 11). Next, Paul will shift to a personal appeal, reminding them how they first received him and the gospel (vv. 12–15).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 2:16
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a sabbath day:
- Romans 14:5
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.
- Leviticus 23:1
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
- Numbers 28:1
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
- Leviticus 25:13
In this year of jubilee ye shall return every man unto his possession.
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